"I'm going to go after Don Moya in (the) next couple of weeks. My concern is that he has been allowed to ride (roughshod) over here and controls a lot of (the) financials," the email stated.

Valentino placed Moya on leave later in the day. He wouldn't explain why.

"No, because it's a personnel matter," Valentino said.

The Albuquerque Journal obtained internal district emails that may explain Valentino's decision.

The emails were sent Aug. 6 and were between Moya and Valentino's new deputy superintendent, Jason Martinez.

A representative for Albuquerque Public Schools confirmed the two were arguing about a possible contract with a Denver technology company.

According to the emails, Martinez was pushing for the deal, but Moya had concerns, specifically that that the head of the company previously worked for Denver Public Schools, where he was fired for allegedly taking gifts in exchange for contracts with the district.

Moya ordered Albuquerque Public Schools to "hold on any further work" on this deal.

Martinez wrote back and said, "Not your call, Don. The work will move forward as planned."

The two exchanged additional emails and argued about who had authority to approve the contract and put it on hold.

KOAT-TV attempted to contact seven school board members about the issue but was only able to reach Barbara Peterson, who declined to comment without further information.